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An American National Character, 2005.
An historical look at what defines the American national character.
2,932 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper asks and attempts to answer the question of what defines the American national character. The paper first takes a look back at
the character of the Puritans to see how much of their resilience and courage has become part of America's national character. The paper then goes on to characterize three great men in American history, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and Walt Whitman, to see if elements of their character have become part of America's national character as well. Finally, the paper concludes by naming the outstanding characteristics of these historical figures and suggesting that, combined, they define a national character Americans should strive for.
From the Paper
"The Puritans (The American Puritans: Their Prose and Poetry). When analyzing the possibility of a ?national character,? one must first discuss the original immigrants who arrived on this continent, why they came, who they were, what they believed. They were Puritans, ?resolved to ?purify? the Church of England?; but were they also hoping to ?purify? the new continent in North American? Was the execution of the Archbishop of Canterbury and King Charles I in 1649 a true ?purification? ? or was it murder in the same blood-soaked clothing that the Puritans loathed and fought to end? Had they become the very thing they abhorred?"
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American National Character, 2004.
This paper discusses the development of the American national character as reflected in the writings of Franklin, Crevecoeur, and Equiano.
1,570 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that America began as a conglomerate of individuals seeking religious freedom and criminals seeking to establish a new life, but the nation gradually began to evolve into a more clearly defined social network with hierarchies of status. The author points out that the farmer, Crevecoeur, credited England for the success of America, but, clearly, the inhabitants are once-removed and different in character from the originators of the American nation. The paper relates that Equiano wrote that race in the absence of class and heredity was a marker of status and usually not a positive one.
From the Paper
"?Letters from an American Farmer? is a unique snapshot of the early nation because its author lived and toiled the land of America, yet was supplanted from another nation. According to the website devoted to the author, it is unclear if the man ever became naturalized. Regardless, his commentary is a valuable perspective on early American life. The farmer Crevecoeur noted, in letter three of his ?Letters from an American Farmer, to his erstwhile correspondent, ?I wish I could be acquainted with the feelings and thoughts which must agitate the heart and present themselves to the mind of an enlightened Englishman, when he first lands on this continent.? "
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The American National Character, 2004.
Examines the ongoing search for the characteristics that make up the 'classic' American.
3,755 words (approx. 15.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 71.95
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Abstract
This assignment answers questions regarding the challenging issue of defining the American national character. It examines whether it is indeed possible to find trends among so much diversity and what characteristics are distinctly American, regardless of class, race, and background. The paper also discusses individualism and the ?American Dream.? It looks at several 'searchers' of the American national character and their findings through their works, including Octavio Paz and Alexis de Tocqueville.
From the Paper
"Perhaps what these opinions are showing readers is that Europeans don?t understand the American way of presenting news and information to citizens. Maybe this is also part of the American character ? which is not connected to race, gender, and class ? and that is the independence each community has from the one next to it. Every town has its own newspaper, of course, and that is part of the provincial spirit, the independent spirit that is reflected in towns and cities, but really has its roots in the people who populate those towns."
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The American National Character, 2004.
An analysis of true American values, including religious and political ideas.
3,060 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the American national character through a look at American values. The paper portrays the diversity of the American population. The paper explores the range of economic, political, and racial mixtures and assesses the daunting task of identifying what characteristics are uniquely American.
From the Paper
"America can almost be thought of as a massive experiment in culture. Here we have a nation inhabited almost entirely by immigrants; all with different languages, customs, beliefs, and appearances who are forced to somehow reach a common understanding and identity. Through the over two hundred years of American history many differences have threatened to unravel our diverse nation, but still, many commonalities have ultimately held it together. Amidst such a range of economic, political, and racial mixtures it is a daunting task to identify what characteristics are uniquely American."
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A Prescription for National Character, 2006.
An analysis of George Washington's farewell address.
2,220 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper presents and discusses George Washington's farewell address. The paper discusses the content of the speech and its implications for the future of the United States. It presents examples from the speech and then analyzes them. The paper also discusses how Washington was viewed by the American people in terms of his presidency.
From the Paper
"On a basic level, George Washington's Farewell Address seems to be a prescription for future political action in America. His most apparent objectives concern foreign affairs, party politics, and preservation of union. However, upon a closer reading of the speech, it seems that he was more concerned with establishing a certain ethical character for the young country. Naturally, this ethical character was heavily rooted in his own moral framework and seemed to presume that all Americans share convictions within his moral boundaries. Washington's speech is undoubtedly dominated by his pragmatic suggestions for the political future of America although he was able to effectively convey his ethical submissions despite their subtlety. Perhaps the reason for his success is due to his unique rhetorical strategies including juxtaposing practical, concrete claims with more understated ethical claims, employing a conversational tone, and projecting his moral character. By any other speaker, this speech could be viewed as manipulative since the true agenda is somewhat less obvious. However, Washington's legacy as the country's greatest hero during and following his life, legitimizes his presumptive claims and restrained ethical suggestions."
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The Paradoxes of American Nationalism, 2002.
This paper reviews Minxin Pei's article "The Paradoxes of American Nationalism" and discusses the two paradoxes Pei has identified regarding American nationalism.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 1 source, £ 49.95
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Abstract
Nationalism in the United States is somewhat a blurred idea in the political arena. In the article "The Paradoxes of American Nationalism" Minxin Pei identifies two paradoxes of American nationalism at a general level and at the policymaking level. First, the United States is a highly nationalistic country but it is not regarded as nationalistic. Second, on a similar count policymakers in the United States have a very poor appreciation of the power of nationalism.
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American National Security, 2001.
An examination of the meaning and origin of "national security," the absence of geographical limits in defining national security, and a critical examination of the historical impact of American foreign policy during the Cold War (cites Chomsky extensivel
1,336 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, £ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that although the term national security, as a Cold War construct, is new, the application of power abroad, as needed by the state, is recorded even in Biblical times. The paper looks at US foreign policy throughout the 20th century, around the time of the world wars and during the Cold War. Some of the questions looked at are: How the state defines the goals that compose its national interest, the means the state selects to pursue those goals, and the state?s identification of others as friend or foe determine how the promotion of the inherently ambiguous concept of ?national security? parlays into actual policy. The paper proves that promotion of national security is the logical means by which the state?s preferences are realized.
From the Paper
"Instead, maintenance of a subservient client role for such states was sufficient; the United States would enjoy the benefits of its clients acceding to American preferences for their economic and foreign policies, without being burdened with the chore of actually administering British-style colonies. The international capitalist order, which allowed free mobility of capital, made control of large swaths of territory and people irrelevant to increasing wealth."
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Integrationism and African-American Nationalism, 2008.
This paper contrasts the political ideas of integrationism and African-American nationalism during the Civil Rights era.
1,160 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, during the black civil rights movement, some leaders favored integrationism, which meant that these activists were willing to work with sympathetic whites to achieve their goal of civil rights. The paper points out that other leaders favored African-American nationalism, which meant the opposite of integrationism. The paper relates that, during the first ten years, the movement was mainly integrationist, as modeled by Martin Luther King Jr. King, who favored using non-violent methods, such as sit-ins, to oppose discrimination. The author continues that, by around 1966, the Black Power movement with activists, such as Malcolm X, who favored black self-determination, was growing. The paper states that the African-American nationalism has been accused of being in favor of black supremacy.
From the Paper
"There is a sad but interesting common factor that is shared by the integrationist movement and African American Nationalism. Although integrationism was much more moderate than African American Nationalism, both were threatening enough to some people in the USA that the most prominent leaders of both movements were assassinated. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee; while Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem."
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Integrationism and African-American Nationalism, 2008.
This paper compares the difference between the political ideas of integrationism and African-American nationalism during the Civil Rights era in the US.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that both the integrationists and the African-American nationalists were stirred to action by the racism directed against African Americans in the US. The author describes that, while the integrationists favored non-violence, the African-American nationalists were prepared to use violence. The paper further relates that integrationists would work with whites; whereas, the African-American nationalists would not. Additionally, the author relates that the integrationists wanted a future of living harmoniously with whites even as the African-American nationalists wanted a future of living separately and making their race strong, proud and independent. The paper concludes that neither group achieved its aims because the US remains deeply troubled by racism today.
From the Paper
"Another important different between the two groups was the goal they aimed for. It was not as simple as wanting to end oppression, racism and discrimination. Both sides were working towards their own vision of the future. The integrationists wanted an integrated future in which both races would live side by side in peace. This was expressed in the speech given by the most well-known integrationist,Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His most famous speech sums up his dream of an integrated future, in which all races live together in harmony."
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Fostering Early American Nationalism through Theater, 2002.
A paper which examines how theater was influential in shaping American identity in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
3,527 words (approx. 14.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that early American literature played a major role in fostering American Nationalism. It examines how, through plays such as "The Contrast" by Royall Taylor and "The Indian Princess" by James Nelson Baker, the ideals and ideas important to a fledgling nation were explored, reinforced and revered.
From the Paper
"For mankind, childhood and the teenage years are the periods in which the human character is formed. Similarly, for a fledgling nation, the early years are crucial in defining the national identity of a country. From the pamphlets of Thomas Paine through to the novels by Sedgwick, literature played a great part in this nurturing of a nation. The ideas and aims contained in such works served to form the American identity and underpin the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Alongside the written word, the spoken word played its own part. The theatre became a venue for the fostering of American Nationalism through the plays such as Royall Tyler in The Contrast and James Nelson Barker?s The Indian Princess."
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American Character, 2003.
A discussion on the American national character.
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the American national character. It investigates the decline of social capital in America over the last 30 to 40 years and the reasons for this decline. The author examines social responsibility and its relation to social capital.
From the Paper
"The national character of America is difficult to define as it is changing with the times. Americans tend to be independently-minded people ever protective of their civil rights and freedoms. Because of massive immigration into the United States the population ..."
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The League of Nations and the United Nations, 2005.
This paper discusses the participation of the U.S. in the League of Nations and the United Nations as an element of the American national interest.
1,730 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 15 sources, APA, £ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although the U. S. failed to support the League of Nations, America supported the United Nations because the supreme national interest of America was to obtain a world atmosphere in which the United States could grow its inner social values devoid of undue commotion or danger from the outside. The author points out that collective action via the United Nations instead of unilateral action was considered politically viable on key political issues. The paper concludes that the League of Nations and the United Nations disappointed hopes the following the two world wars because, in no way, can they be an autonomous political power; at best, the U.N. is a mirror image of the opposing interest of autonomous states.
Table of Contents
Introduction
America's Rejection to Support the League of Nations
The Historical Background
The Fundamental Principals that Lead to the Rejection of the League of Nations
America's Support for the United Nations
Using United Nations to Achieve the Goals of American Foreign Policy
The Fundamental Goal of Military Security
The Fundamental Goal of Political Security:
The Fundamental Goal of Stability and Welfare
The Fundamental Goal of World Order
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In the United States of America the major disagreement on both the groundwork venture and the refined Covenant of the League of Nations had been on the base that the League would function as an intrusion with the sovereignty of America and with the Monroe principle, that it concerned desertion of the traditional American policy, which had not been in favor of entrapped coalitions, and that the government did not have the power, within its Constitution, to insert such an agreement . Independence has revealed to be just so much freedom of action on the behalf of countries as is coherent with their responsibility, within international law and principles, to authorize the application of uniform independence or freedom of action by their sister countries. The League agreement had assured all States in their application of this sovereignty free from coercion by other Countries, and he who desires more is actually in search of the authorization thoughtlessly to ignore these commitments -- to refuse, for instance, the fair rulings of a properly established tribunal -- which is the German perception of independence."
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"American Slavery, American Freedom" by Edmund S. Morgan, 2001.
Tension throughout American history & national identity between slavery & freedom. Early issues, class system, Founding Fathers.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, £ 21.95
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From the Paper
"Edmund S. Morgan in his book American Slavery, American Freedom discusses the tension in the developing American identity between slavery and freedom, slavery for those brought to this country against their will and freedom for the white population. This tension can be traced through American history first as slavery itself existed and then as the aftermath of slavery created a black underclass that still suffers from the social, economic, and political situation created by the slave era. The fact that slavery was allowed at all in a new nation dedicated to human freedom and self-government remains a blot on American history. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and contributed to the U.S. Constitution, yet he also owned slaves. George Washington did as well, though he freed all of his slaves, while Jefferson did not..."
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The Marginalization of Native Americans and African-Americans, 2004.
Examines how post-colonial American history impacted the emancipation of African-Americans and Native Americans, or Indians.
1,065 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
Before American society become liberated and independent from British rule, two important events became the catalyst for social and political changes that occurred within the American nation: the American Revolution (1775-1783) and the American Civil War (1860). These significant events in American history contributed to the liberation of America as a nation and the independence of marginalized sectors in America, the native American-Indians and African-Americans. This paper discusses the impact of the American Revolution and American Civil War in encouraging/discouraging the emancipation of the American Indians and African-Americans from prejudice and discrimination in the American society. In addition, this paper also focuses on the implications of the emancipation or non-emancipation of these sectors to the future of American society and nation.
From the Paper
"However, over time, a strong public sentiment began forming as atrocities against the black slaves were exposed to the American nation. Because of strong public sentiment against black American slavery and continuing conflict between the South and North, the American Civil War erupted, and the anti-slavery vs. pro-slavery conflict ended with the issuance of the Emancipation Declaration of 1863 by then US President Abraham Lincoln. Thus, African-Americans, unlike the native American-Indians, were able to achieve their freedom from American rule and colonization, bringing down social prejudice and discrimination of the African-American sector in the American society and nation."
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